Innovations, challenges, and minimal information for standardization of humanized mice

Area of Science:

• * Biomedical research
• * Preclinical models
• * In vivo studies

Background:

• * Humanized mice, xenotransplanted with human cells or expressing human gene products, mimic human evolutionary traits.
• * These models are crucial for understanding human-specific physiology and pathologies in vivo.
• * Humanized mice are increasingly utilized in preclinical research, driving advancements in biomedical science.

Purpose of the Study:

• * To review innovations and challenges in humanized mouse models, focusing on immunity, tissue reconstitution, disease modeling, and therapeutic applications.
• * To address the growing need for standardized reporting in humanized mouse research.
• * To introduce the Minimal Information for Standardization of Humanized Mice (MISHUM) initiative and its proposed guidelines.

Main Methods:

• * Review of current innovations and challenges in humanized mouse model development and application.
• * Analysis of the increasing publication trends in the field.
• * Development and proposal of comprehensive reporting guidelines through the MISHUM initiative.

Main Results:

• * Humanized mouse models are advancing rapidly, impacting diverse areas of biomedical research.
• * Significant challenges remain in reconstituting human immunity and tissues, and in modeling human diseases.
• * The need for standardized reporting is critical for enhancing rigor and reproducibility.
• The MISHUM initiative has been established to provide these essential guidelines.

Conclusions:

• * Humanized mouse models are powerful tools for preclinical research, offering a human-relevant context.
• * Standardization of reporting through initiatives like MISHUM is essential for improving the reliability and reproducibility of humanized mouse studies.
• * Adherence to MISHUM guidelines will enhance the value and impact of humanized mouse research in understanding human biology and disease.